"We Are The Bronx"

Hip-Hop is a culture. It is based on four key elements; the beat, the words, the art, and the fashion. It is a symphony of creative mediums working simultaneously to saturate the senses with perspective and passion. “Hip-Hop isn’t just music, it is the spiritual movement of the Blacks.” To trivialize it as just another genre of songs is to blatantly disregard an entire generation, if not several generations of people of color struggling with poverty and representation. It is the literal manifestation of the first amendment for Black America. Hip-Hop has endured public scrutiny. It has spread and evolved, offering itself up for various interpretations over the years. It continues to change and grow just as the needs and wants of the public do. The most recent adaptation of this art form, however, threatens the legitimacy and ideals on which it was originally founded.

Artists like Future and Lil Yachty are just two waves in this tsunami of musical artists known as “Mumble Rappers”. Mumble rap is self-explanatory. It focuses on the typical Hip-Hop beat, heavy bass, great for dancing… and that’s pretty much it. Individual’s record themselves mumbling inaudibly on beat with the song usually intertwining one liner’s with a poorly written chorus. Listeners don’t pay attention to the lyrics, because there really aren’t any. And therein lies the problem. Mumble rap eliminates one of the integral elements of Hip Hop culture, the words. The message. The needs and wants of the people during these increasingly tumultuous times.

For those who may not already know, Hip-Hop culture began during the late 1970’s in The Bronx. New York at the time was rife with corruption and the phenomenon soon to become known as gentrification had already begun dismantling the city. Block parties like the ones most notably held by “Kool” Herc served as safe havens for former gangsters and graffiti “vandals” to congregate without consequence, whether it be from the cops or the crackheads. Instead of bullets, the room was filled with a barrage of lyrical shots. It was vital that an MC had his arsenal of synonyms fully stocked otherwise you were sure to be another victim of verbal assault.

As Hip-Hop has spread across this country it has embraced different regional qualities, maturing in sound, shifting from simple break beats to new technology. The emergence of “story tellers” as rappers ushered in the Golden Age of Hip-Hop giving us a pantheon of political rap Gods like Public Enemy and NWA, artists focused on highlighting the racist and often times violent conditions that have plagued poor communities of color since the Civil War. For the first time since Jacob Riis’s iconic photos of New York’s slums, “…an underground art form has become a vehicle to expose a lot of critical issues that are not usually discussed in American politics.”

In 2016, Hip-Hop continues to be astoundingly proliferate. It has enraptured nations worldwide from Haiti to China, Brazil to Japan. Hip-Hop has transcended its American origins to become rooted in one of the basic fundamentals of humanity. The unquestionable and inalienable right… to hope. Mumble Rap does not align with this message because it has no message. To take away the words of Hip-Hop, to take away this decades long mission is to kill its spirit and ultimately the spirit of Black America.

“It has been charged and maintained that the police department of the city of New York is corrupt”. The preceding is not another headline from any recent media but the opening statement in a nearly one hundred year old document that unfortunately still rings very true today. The New York City Police Department is the first of it’s kind in America, the gold standard for municipal policing in our country. It’s model, originally adopted from the Metropolitan Police Service in London has been emulated and duplicated throughout the country. Today we are faced with increased racial tensions either segregating or completely eradicating poor/ethnic communities, an overwhelming disregard for police brutality, and above all a frightening disregard for human life. The police force in America was never established to enforce law and order but rather separate the poor from business affairs, protecting millionaire assets and performing favors for the upper echelon of the city’s elite.

In 1844, at the request of the city council then known as the common council, the Municipal Police Act was drafted. In 1845 after cutting through reams of bureaucratic tape the nation’s first professional police force was created. The department was created largely with the intention of limiting the federal government’s role in everyday city life. There was an inherent mistrust towards a standing army in a city built on an island. But more importantly officials believed it was vital that municipal services like law enforcement be accessible to the people.

New officers were appointed to one year terms by their district aldermen. Many poor, uneducated and family burdened young men saw this as an opportunity to try and gain favor amongst their peers. There was never a task too incredulous during these times. The aldermen or councilmen by today’s terms had an infinite supply of ballotstuffers, looters, kill-for-hire’s, bootleggers and bodyguards at their fingertips. During the days of Tammany’s sway it was said the Boss Tweed used his “Crushers” to block off the room where the election ballots were counted. Two uniformed men would stand guard at the door under strict order to not let anyone out until they’ve reached the number that satisfied the Boss.

Because political clout was the only way to ensure a successful career under the Democratic machine’s reign, policemen were constantly vying for new business opportunities. The capitalist ideal was practically embedded into the foundation of the force. Rewards were giving to those who maintained a ticket quota, recovered stolen goods or even helped out friend’s of Tammany Hall.

On April 25, 1970 the New York Times ran an article titled “Graft Paid to Police Here Said to be into Millions”. 75 years after the Lexow committee held its first trial, journalist David Burnham outlined the sordid dealings our men in blue were allegedly engaged in. Drug dealers, gamblers and businessmen alike were all apart of a long list of individuals being extorted by the department. In exchange for hefty bribes, much like the mafia during most of the twentieth century, policemen offered protection against other precincts or agencies. For the second time since it’s foundation the force is publicly scrutinized and labeled as “Corrupt”.

Nearly one hundred years after the “Report and proceedings of the Senate Committee” had been submitted, New York’s police force had remained the same. The city’s opium dens were replaced with crack houses, the tenements of the five points had all been cleared. Now it was the destitute slums under the Bruckner Bridge that rich people avoid. There was a significant impact on society. The seeds of distrust had once again been sown. Disillusion set in and crime was rampant. Murder rates had hit an all time high, 2,245 that year. Hope had practically disappeared. In 1990 the city made its final plea to then mayor, David Dinkins. “DO SOMETHING!!!”

Today, America’s police departments are a much larger, better trained and seemingly more professional force than that of the mid 1800’s but what does that mean exactly? In June 2016, Manhattan US attorney Preet Bharara released a statement against the city’s police, “Corruption is rife in a lot of institutions in New York and throughout”. The accusation comes amidst an avalanche of fatal police shootings, political back room deals and a large gift for favor scheme involving some of the departments highest ranking officers.

Countless hours have been dedicated to investigative committees. Teams have been assembled, dismantled and reassembled to no avail. History has shown us that a successful prosecution of corrupt cops is extremely rare and almost always a drawn out affair. Unfortunately, the appearance of the law must always be upheld… especially while it’s being broken.

They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions.This was the case for Bronx born and bred Hip Hop artist Swizz Beats who recently wrapped up his first Arts and Music Festival in the borough.

The #NoCommission Arts Festival aimed to “Bring art back to the Bronx” by welcoming upcoming artists to display their work for free, to network, and sell their pieces without fees. They also invited big name rappers from Fabolous to Young Thug, DMX and A$AP Rocky. The festival had the makings to be groundbreaking, a first of its kind in our borough. An arts event, sponsored by Bacardi, in a primarily latino and black community: Genius. A free event in an area where the average household income is less than 20k a year: Great. #NoCommission was an arts event with relatable celebrities that could target nearby neighborhood youth living in the miles and miles of New York City Housing developments. It had the makings to be everything the people of the Bronx had been asking for. But it was missing the most important thing… Bronx people!

On day 2 of the festival, after spending about 20 minutes trying to traverse vague instructions on how to download tickets and snarky attendees pushing past me, I was able to get inside to the event. After walking through the metal detectors, I was greeted by the bright lights of a carnival ferris wheel. In front of me stood a modest group of people, modest when you consider the names on the bill, I’d say maybe 300-400 people at best. In front of the group, Brooklyn native and NYC Rap all-star, Fabolous was rocking the stage. He was laying down a few classics like “Young’n”, “Can’t tell me nothing”, and “Throw it in the bag” while interweaving them with new joints from his upcoming mixtape. There was a part in Fab’s performance where he stopped and asked,“Ayo where Brooklyn at?” Around 80% of the crowd raised their hands and cheered.

After Fab concluded his set, Swizz kept the party rocking by bringing the beast, DMX on stage. “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem”, “Party Up”, and “X Gon Give it to Ya” had the crowd throwing drinks, shirts, and even other people in the air! Still… something was missing. When DMX asked to see X’s in the air, few obliged. “Where’s the Bronx at?!” fell on deaf ears several times. When I left the festival that night, I was left wondering: where is the Bronx at?!?

Day 3 proved no different. Again I arrived to a shit show of staff members trying to keep pushy concert goers away from the “at capacity” show. I flashed my credentials and got in this time as press, making a beeline straight for the stage. I was excited at the idea of the show being at capacity, maybe that meant more people from the hood had heard about it and decided to show up. Unfortunately, that was not the case. After passing the metal detectors, I saw the same amount of people as the night before, give or take. I even saw familiar faces but they were mostly bloggers from the scene.

Melle Mel and Grandmaster Flash were on stage when I joined the audience. Mel had just finished flexing for the crowd as the Grandmaster addressed the people and Swizz. He gave thanks for everyone who came out to support Bronx art and once again asked that all important question “Where’s the Bronx at?”

I wish someone had a soundboard because a cricket noise would have been perfect at that moment. Swizz jumped on the mic to fill the silence. He pumped the crowd up for another song. It was clear to me that the Bronx was not invited to this party. I stood until the very end to see if there would be a difference from the night before, perhaps a mention of an after party or a surprise guest since it was Saturday. Who wants to go home early? Alas, the bars closed and Swizz wished everyone blessings as usual. I walked along Bruckner Blvd hoping to see folks linger, hop into a local bar or restaurant. Instead they all scurried in different directions. Some to the trains, some to their cars, some flagged cabs off the street. No one stayed.

During several of his mini speeches on stage Swizz was vocal about how much he wanted the Bronx to have this because he’s from the Bronx. Before and during the show, Swizz made attempts to reach out to local artists as best he could but it was an attempt too little too late. I believe Swizz wanted his people to enjoy a great show, and that he wanted it to be like shows he wished he had while growing up. However I don’t believe that the hosts for this event, Keith Rubenstein and the Somerset Group agreed with the guest list. Speculation can be made but the facts are evident. Port Morris is ground zero for gentrification in the Bronx.

The neighborhood has already undergone significant changes within the past few years. Residents have been vocal about their opposition to speculative investors, like the Somerset Group, invading poor communities in order to accommodate Suburbia’s thirst for culture. Several protests have been held against Keith Rubenstein and his partners after they insensitively tried to rebrand a neighborhood whose roots extend back to to the American Revolutionary War. Last but not least the party was held on Sommerset property. Mr. Rubenstein might as well have been perched on the rooftop, waving to the borough, shouting with background piano music: “You can’t sit with us.”

It’s painful to think that we aren’t allowed to enjoy the fruits of decades of Bronx labor in our own home. #Nocommission had a goal to bring art “back” to the Bronx but instead it ignored the rich art communities and organizations already rooted in the borough, and reignited a heated debate over gentrification and how art dictates new communities. They say in real estate that if you’re looking for the next best thing you just have to follow the drips of paint. Whether Swizz Beatz meant it or not, he helped draw a pretty line right into our backyards.

An open mic night dedicated to the people of the Bronx. Its artists, its businesses, and its families. We welcome all who are interested in either a great performance or a stiff drink to join us. Pitorro moonshine will overfloweth from the taps while our homegrown talent performs on stage next-door. Singers, dancers, poets, rappers, comedians, artists of all kind. We invite you to join us. To become a part of the most elite group of creative masters in the city, join the BLAQLIST.

Despite a much needed downpour around late afternoon today, this July evening was particularly searing to say the least. As I was walking through St. Mary’s Park enroute to the Tito Rojas concert presented by Summerstage, I couldn’t help but pretend I was trekking through El Yunque in Puerto Rico. I closed my eyes for just a moment as I made my way up the hill to performance site. I could feel the tropical winds just barely kissing the sweat on my cheek. I could hear the steady rhythm of the congero’s drum in the distance. As I inched closer, I could see dozens of Puerto Rican flags waving in the air. It was as though they were floating amidst the sea of people.

They say timing is everything and tonight mine couldn’t be more impeccable. I arrived just as DJ Kazzanova began to play Marc Anthony’s “Preciosa”, a song I hadn’t heard since I was 12 years old, waking up on Saturday mornings to help my mom clean. The lyrics came flying back to me, with a little help from the roaring crowd behind me, “Yo te queiro, Puerto Rico! Yo te queiro, PUERTO RICO!”

I’ll admit, the energy of the audience was intoxicating and I almost didn’t notice when El Gallo, El Salsero Primero, Tito Rojas joined the stage. He immediately began speaking to the crowd. But it was more than just speaking. He was listening to them as well. He somehow managed to engage in conversation with over thousands of people at once. It was truly a sight to see. Tito did this several times throughout his performance, which included songs “Doble”, “Senora”, and “Siempre Sere”.

At the end of the show ,Tito waved to the crowd. He blessed everyone for coming out “A dios de bendiga y gracias Bronx!” To which the crowd responded with “Otra! Otra! Another! Another!”. Tito was helped offstage but not after another round of waves and blessings.

The Bronx has a very close connection with Puerto Rico and Latinx culture. It has mothered some of the most iconic names in Salsa history such as Willie Colon, Hector Lavoe and Tito Puente. U.S. census data shows that 55% of people living in The Bronx are Hispanic or Latino. The Bronx is a village, tight knit and caring. We raise each other because all too often we are neglected by the city we helped create. And although El Gallo is not from the Bronx, we are honored to have had him share in our rich tradition of block parties and fiestas. Just like the old African proverb; where the rooster crows, there really is a village.

Summer in the Bronx, for those of us on a budget (and I mean, c’mon who is living in the Bronx and not on a budget), usually means that Wednesday is probably the most exciting day of the week for you. Options include free entry to the Bronx zoo or Botanical Gardens (mmmhmmm, they do that ish too) or discount tickets for high school and college students at Yankee Stadium. Perhaps even, if you’re feeling adventurous that is, a trip to Orchard Beach. It’s the riviera of the Bronx! However, this past Wednesday, Bronxters were given a new option to enliven their evening.

Hundreds of people filled into Crotona Park in order to see the prodigal son return, the one and only Joey Crack Fat Joe. Presented by Summerstage and the NYC Parks Department, DJ Tony Touch, Fat Joe and Remy Ma performed in the center of Crotona Park just near the amphitheater.

The show kicked off at 7pm with Tony getting into the mix. As was expected, folks were a bit reserved at first. Apprehensive to engage, many were doubting if Joe would even appear. But as the DJ continued to do his thing, the energy loosened and you could tell people were having a good time.

After about two hours of old school hits and today’s best joints, the fat guy that every Bronx dude loves to hate, admit it, Fat Joe himself finally stepped onto the stage. There was an awkward mix of cheering and boo’s. People were beginning to get frustrated from the wait. Sweet Brown Wilkinson said it best “ Ain’t nobody got time for that”.

Joe, the self proclaimed King of the Bronx wasn’t pleased with the reaction so upon arrival he roared into the mic “This is the Boogie Down! Shit starts late!”

FACTS!

Joe launched into his classics, dolling out “Don Cartagena”,“What’s Luv”, “Lean Back”, and more. He was shortly joined by the first lady of Terror Squad, Remy Ma. The 36 year old rapper fresh off her 7 year bid at bedford hills correctional facility, like her record would suggest, killed it! (too soon?)

Remy, without a doubt stole the show. Her quintessential New York/Hip Hop/ Bronx anthem, Whuteva, had people yelling with their hands pointed to the hills as though somebody asked where we live… see what I did there? Both artists paid homage to those no longer with us and gave props to everyone for not “acting up” and spreading love throughout the show.

Amidst the news of police killing yet another black man in america, may you rest in peace Mr. Sterling, Joe wanted to end the show on a positive note so he spoke to the crowd. “I grew up on 170th and 3rd ave. Look at Rem, she from Castle Hill. Everyday they said you can’t do shit. Everyday when she was in prison, them cops said she wasn’t even shit. Don’t give em a reason, Look at us now… WE ALL THE WAY UP!”

Today, June 28th, our beloved Bronx, along with Washington Heights and Harlem will bare witness to a historic moment. United States Congressman Charles Rangel will retire this year, vacating a seat he has held strongly since 1971. After more than forty years on the job, Congressman Rangel’s retirement leaves open a Congressional seat surely to be filled by the Democratic nominee at this November’s general election (also known as ‘Clinton v. Trump’ day).

If your Congressperson is Charles Rangel, you my friend, are a resident of the illustrious District 13 (cue The Hunger Games soundtrack). If you live within District 13, and are registered to vote, then June 28th is a big day for you. It is your chance to choose who will go to Washington, D.C. and represent YOU. You’re the Board Member. The Congressperson is your CEO; you can hire and fire every two years. Don’t take this power for granted. If you are not sure who your current Congressperson is, you can input your zip code HERE and find out.

A BRIEF HISTORY. In 1970, a much younger Charles Rangel ran in the Democratic primary against long-time Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Rangel defeated Powell Jr. by 150 votes and dethroned the incumbent. Jump forward 46 years, and Adam Clayton Powell III is running in the Democratic primary to gain control of the seat his father held for so long before Rangel. But Powell III is not alone in this race.

A total of eight democrats are on the ballot. Along with Powell III, voters have the choice of Keith Wright, Suzan Cook, Mike Gallagher, Sam Sloan, Clyde Williams, Guillermo Linares, and Adriano Espaillat. To be frank, four of the candidates have run campaigns that appear to have gained traction amongst the voting public (Powel III, Wright, Linares, Espaillat); and if we’re keeping it real, only two candidates have a realistic shot at winning (Wright and Espaillat).

I say either Espaillat or Wright is likely to win because of the size of their grassroots campaigns and the endorsements both men received. Espaillat garnered support from the NY Daily News, El Diario, the Transport Workers Union (TWU), New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, New York City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, and U.S. Congressman Luis Gutierrez among others. On the other hand, Congressman Rangel, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr, former Governor David Paterson, and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz all endorse Wright.

This election shines a spotlight on two communities; the black community of Harlem and the Dominican community of Washington Heights. It is interesting to note that Wright and Powel III are two black politicians vying for the majority of the Harlem vote, while Espaillat and Linares are two Dominican politicians vying for the majority of the Washington Heights vote. When it is all said and done, how will the chips fall? Who will syphon more votes away from their counterpart?

WELCOME TO THE BRONX. The west Bronx can decide this election. The blue portion of the map below shows which Bronx communities are within District 13. The large number of registered voters in the Bronx’s 13th District coupled with the likelihood of a close election yields the perfect storm of power and responsibility upon us.

Yes, to millennials both candidates have a platform that leaves much to be desired. But as established politicians, is this anything that surprises us anymore? Nevertheless, both men raise issues that are important to our communities. Keith Wright says he will be a “champion for LGBT issues and would join the Equality Caucus as an ally to work with other leaders in Congress on LGBT priorities.” Adriano Espaillat, a noted champion of housing rights in upper Manhattan vows to establish and maintain affordable housing units and will “take immediate action to protect residents who are at risk of being displaced.” Both men offer platforms that address the criminal justice system, gun safety, and economic development as well.

Personally, I think gentrification has displaced hundreds of thousands of working class people from their homes all over the United States, and our politicians rarely discuss the issue. The displaced are primarily low-income and of color, especially in New York City. I appreciate Espaillat’s call for greater housing protections. I also applaud Wright’s call for greater awareness of LGBT inequality, which still persists in all corners of the United States.

No matter who you think is best fit to serve as your representative in Congress, it is your right and obligation to make your voice heard. If you don’t support any candidate, go ahead and write in the name of the person you think would best represent your interests (‘Randy Abreu’ has a nice ring to it). Remember, your Congressperson works for you, and whoever wins will make about $174,000 a year to represent your wants, desires, and needs. Did I mention that salary is paid for by YOUR tax dollars? You are the Board of Directors, engage in your corporation and you’ll see progress like never before.

Once again I am aghast at the arrival of Bronx week. Now in its 45th year it seems to somehow become even more underwhelming than the year before. In your open letter addressing us, the people, you boast honoring the best that the borough has to offer yet time and time again Bronxters are left wondering “Is this really the best we have?”. Your halfhearted attempt at celebrating our people has gas-lit an entire Community into believing we just aren’t good enough for… well, anything. Bronx week has become nothing more than a celebration of mediocrity and your overt political corruption.

Mr. Diaz once again you have robbed us. You have stolen our time and our dignity among many other things. You are the reason why people are ashamed to call the Bronx their home.

You do not represent us sir and we will no longer allow you to malign the good name of the Bronx. The name that the best of our Borough, the mothers, the fathers, leaders, lenders, children and friends, have fought for. Bronx week is a week devoted to the people who matter most to this borough, not you or your misguided and deeply egocentric intent.

So Mr. Diaz, we ask that you fulfill your civic duty. The people, well 50,000 of them anyway, elected you to perform a task which you have yet to successfully complete. We ask that you listen to us Mr. Diaz, that you accurately portray our needs and wants and we DEMAND that you represent our people. All of them…

We demand the freedom to determine the future of our borough’s communities.

We demand full employment for the people of the Bronx, IN THE BRONX. There is no reason why the borough that exports almost 50% of the city’s produce, meat, groceries and textiles should also be forced to outsource its workers in order to help bolster the economies of the other already flourishing counties.

We demand decent and affordable housing.

We demand decent education for all Bronxters. Why must a child already deprived of a decent meal, or bed to sleep, also sacrifice the opportunity to better themselves and in turn their families through public education.

We demand quality health care for both the physically and mentally ill.

We demand the city pay reparations for the catastrophic events that occurred in the South Bronx after the construction of the “Cross-Bronx” and “Sheridan” expressways.

We demand the Bronx be recognized for their significant contributions to art and culture in New York City.

We demand the MTA issue a “fare waiver” for all residents of the Bronx. We will consider this a small token towards rectifying the immense damage the Transportation Authority inflicted on our borough during Robert Moses’ reign of terror.

We demand the government invest in all the communities of the Bronx, through public art projects, through free youth programming, through free senior care, through establishing an LGBTQ center. We are a city of communities and they should all be represented.

We demand that the capitalist’s end their agenda to purchase and remove Bronx natives in order to satiate the affluent gentries thirst for “new” lands. YOU CANNOT DISCOVER US! WE ARE HERE! WE ARE LIVING! WE ARE THE BRONX!

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Upcoming Events

OpenMic Thursdays by The Bronx BlaqlistNovember 18, 2016 at 1:00 am – 4:30 amPort Morris Distillery, 780 E 133rd St, Bronx, NY 10454, United StatesAn open mic night dedicated to the people of the Bronx. Its artists, its businesses, and its families.